Philippe Dufour - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Philippe Dufour
    Year: Circa 2007
    Movement No: 113
    Model Name: Simplicity
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 11’”, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Philippe Dufour pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Philippe Dufour Certificate of Origin dated June 2007, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    A silhouette that is truly unique, a man with a loupe on his head, puffing out smoke from his elegant pipe in his Atelier amongst the peaceful valley of Le Solliat in the Vallée de joux. Philippe Dufour is a name that’s foreign to none in the world of horology, a true living legend and guardian of traditional watchmaking in our times.

    An independent watchmaker since the late 1970s, Dufour restored antique and vintage timepieces which led him ten years later to develop a very small series of pocket and grand sonnerie wrist watches, followed by the Duality, the world’s first wristwatch incorporating a double escapement.

    After having proven his undeniable talent and expertise in creating ultra-complicated mechanisms, he set out in the year 2000 to create yet another icon. Classic, well-proportioned 37mm case, a three-handed timepiece, the Simplicity is a masterpiece.

    The gentle flow of the bridges’ curves, the bold and alluring inward and outward angles, the hand applied Geneva waves and red rubies provide a seductive visual harmony. Needless to say that the decoration and assembly are done by hand explaining the fact that less than a dozen Simplicities per year left Dufour’s workshops in the Vallée de Joux. For the astute connoisseurs, everyday was a pleasure to wait, the craftsmanship of a Dufour timepiece is just divine. The present watch bearing movement number 113 belongs to the original Japanese collector who knew the importance and beauty of the Simplicity. Japan was known to have a large and passionate following since the early days, as a result 204 Simplicities that were made between 2000 and 2012, 120 of them were sold in Japan. The present white gold example preserved in an attractive condition remains together with its original certificate and presentation box. A legacy that’s unquestionable, a grail for collectors, a statement of horological craftsmanship, this is the time to obtain arguably the most coveted timepiece in the world.

  • Artist Biography

    Philippe Dufour

    Swiss • 1989

    Philippe Dufour is a modern master creating some of the most coveted timepieces available today. His watches feature clean, classic lines fitted with high-grade in-house movements and stunning finish and polish. His Simplicity model is near-perfect hand craftsmanship, produced entirely in a traditional manner without the use of modern industrial tools. Over a 12-year period he created approximately 200 examples often customized to the client's wishes. Today it is considered one of the finest mechanical time-only timepieces produced. Also highly sought-after is the Duality, a highly complicated masterpiece made in only 9 examples. Dufour worked for some of the top names in watch manufacturing including Jaeger-LeCoultre, Audemars Piguet and Gerald Genta. In 1978, he opened his own workshop creating all his own parts. He is both the man and the brand, and by keeping his production numbers limited, Dufour maintains absolute control over quality and is therefore considered one of the most important independent watchmakers today.

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PLEASE NOTE, THIS LOT IS A PREMIUM LOT. TO BID ON THE LOT YOU MUST COMPLETE AND SATISFY OUR PREMIUM LOT PRE-REGISTRATION PROCEDURE NO LATER THAN 24 HOURS BEFORE THE START OF THE AUCTION SESSION IN WHICH IT IS OFFERED. PLEASE ALSO NOTE THAT ALL BIDDERS MUST PLACE BIDS IN PERSON, VIA ABSENTEE BID, OR BY TELEPHONE. PLEASE CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT FOR DETAILS. Property from a Japanese Collector

Σ✱975

An extremely rare and highly important white gold wristwatch with small seconds, Certificate of Origin and presentation box

Circa 2007
37mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$1,600,000 - 3,200,000 
€190,000-381,000
$205,000-410,000

Sold for HK$6,905,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)